MIC president Dr S Subramaniam has urged the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) not to separate categories according to language, in the 28th Malaysian Film Festival (FMM).

He said the arts industry should be seen as an example to other industries to unite Malaysians.

"Why the segregation? Do not create segregation in culture, sports and other fields that are used as a medium of unity," he told Bernama.

The health minister was reacting to the decision by Finas and Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) to create special categories for Bahasa Malaysia and non-Bahasa Malaysia films for the upcoming FFM.

The disqualification of 'Ola Bola' and 'Jagat' from being nominated in the best film category in the 28th FFM on Sept 3, has riled many Malaysians.

"It is surprising that influential films like ‘Ola Bola’ and ‘Jagat’ were not nominated under the Bahasa Malaysia category," Subramaniam said.

Last Saturday, it was reported that Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said he will discuss the issue of segregation of categories based on language with Finas.

- Bernama